Police Chief and Mayor Speak Out about Murder of Police Officer

A Shreveport Police Officer killed last night is believed to have been the victim of domestic violence. But the Chief is not confirming that. Chateri Payne was in uniform about to get in her police cruiser and leave for work when she was gunned down.

During a news conference this morning, Police Chief Ben Raymond praised Officer Payne and offered prayers and support for her family. He did not confirm or deny if this was the result of a domestic dispute between Payne and her boyfriend.

She suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The officer was rushed to Ocshner LSU Health where she later died.

She is the mother of a young daughter and a 2014 graduate of Captain Shreve High School. She graduated from the police academy in November and has been riding with a Field Training Officer.

Chief Ben Raymond says

We have many more questions than answers. We are not willing to rule out anything. We will apprehend the coward or cowards responsible for the brutal murder of officer Payne.

She was hired by the department on July 27, 2018 and graduated from the academy in November.

The chief added: "The murder of a police officer is a catastrophic event for any department. We are no different. We will not lose focus. We will not faulter."

Payne's child was found at the home. "We do not know what the child saw."

"We do have some suspect information at this point, but are continuing to follow all leads said Chief Raymond.